Cucumber

きゅうり

A quintessential summer vegetable and one of Japan's most widely consumed. Miyazaki Prefecture leads national production, with year-round supply driven by greenhouse cultivation. Widely used in salads, pickles, and dressed dishes

Taste & Texture

Characterized by a light, refreshing flavor and crisp aroma. High water content and satisfying crunch

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jun - Aug

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Look for cucumbers with sharp bumps on the surface and taut, glossy skin.

  • Uniform thickness and a satisfyingly heavy feel indicate freshness.

How to Store

  • Store upright in the refrigerator vegetable compartment with the stem end up.

  • Wrap in newspaper or paper towel to prevent drying out.

  • Avoid over-chilling as cucumbers are susceptible to cold damage.

Shelf life 3-5 days refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST May ¥221/kg
BUSIEST May 28,491t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest May ¥572/1kg
Most Expensive Nov ¥879/1kg

Annual Average

¥731/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Miyazaki11.9%
Gunma10.4%
Saitama8.4%
Fukushima7.6%
Chiba6.0%
Others55.8%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
61,700
11.9%
2
53,900
10.4%
3
43,300
8.4%
4
39,200
7.6%
5
30,900
6.0%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Miyazaki
Gunma
Saitama
Fukushima
Chiba

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥3,565 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Saitama Saitama
¥4,826
2
Yokohama Kanagawa
¥4,693
3
Toyama Toyama
¥4,467
4
Yamagata Yamagata
¥4,317
5
Maebashi Gunma
¥4,316

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)